I Graduated: Now What?

Learn essential life skills, set goals, and ace adulting after graduation

Becoming a grown-up is no easy feat. Many new grads find themselves wondering: How do I find a place to live? How do I land a job interview? How do credit cards work? Whether this is you, or you know someone at this exciting but challenging stage of their life, worry not: help is on the way! This book gives you the basics—and more—to face the “real world” head-on. 

I Graduated: Now What? offers:

• Guidance on essential life topics like home, money, work & career, relationships, setting goals, and structuring your time
• Filled with inspirational quotes, checklists, and off-the-page prompts to give new grads the tools they need to survive and thrive at adulting.
• Packed with useful tips and bite-sized hacks at the end of every section, from DIY repairs to how to “level up” in your career.
• The ideal graduation gift: The guide you wish you had when you entered the real world—perfect for any student about to graduate, just graduated, or even a few years out of high school or college.

Practical meets inspirational in this essential guide to building your best life in adulthood.“In today’s rapidly changing world, some things remain constant: home, work, money, and relationships. With lighthearted practicality, Amanda McLaughlin teaches readers how to navigate these subjects as adults, then guides them through a life-coaching master class on how to design their best lives. I Graduated: Now What? is the perfect gift for graduates, sure to become a timeless resource referred to again and again.”
—Tonya Ensign, PhD, university professor, entrepreneur, and mom of four young adults
 
“After raising five children and interacting with hundreds of students over the years, I’m convinced successfully transitioning from the family home to independence—no matter how bright and mature that young person is—requires wise counsel and planning. If you have a recent or soon-to-be graduate in your life, do them a big favor by empowering them to thrive using the practical guidance in this book.”
—Dr. Mike Patterson, author of Mission First, People Always: The Definitive Guide to Balancing People and Performance
 
“Do you ever wish there was a handbook for adulting? Well, now there is! I Graduated: Now What? provides a clear, practical, and motivational guide for young adults figuring out what independence looks like after graduation. From housing to goal setting to figuring out your career, this is a book I will be buying for my children and all the other young adults in my life who are starting out and learning how to adult.”
—Angela Stelle, chief marketing officer and mom of two soon-to-be adults


“Easy to read, timely, and practical! This book provides crucial advice for common challenges in adulthood, such as shifting social dynamics, time management, and learning to create routines and good habits. I can see a universal appeal for neurodiverse readers too, or really any individual who is seeking to live a fuller and more independent life.”
—Michael D. Kuchar, PhD, superintendent of the South Bergen Jointure Commission and past president of the New Jersey Association of School Superintendents
 
“The perfect ‘how to adult’ handbook! Filled with important topics ranging from work and career to managing independence and more, this book is an excellent resource for any soon-to-be or recent college graduate navigating their postgrad world. I highly recommend it!”
—Megan Matesic, PhD, institutional research analystAmanda McLaughlin is an educational consultant who supports young adults, overinvolved parents, and independence seekers. She uses a unique combination of life coaching and career counseling to help her clients find confidence, clarity, and control of their professional and personal lives. She’s passionate about watching those around her achieve greatness and providing them with tools they need to succeed.

Amanda was born and raised in Morristown, New Jersey, and then pursued her BA and MA in Washington, DC. She fell in love with everything the city had to offer, including her husband, Frankie. She began her doctoral studies in California and received her PhD in New Jersey, where she started her own family. Amanda has since then returned to DC and firmly planted roots. Today, you can find her at beyondthebooks.org, where she explores the nuances of being in your twenties, supports self-discovery, and guides clients through their transition into adulthood.